Beach Connection Magazine : Fall 2017 Fall / Winter 2014 | Page 3

Getting
to Know
President Jane
Close Conoley
A Warm Welcome from
Alumni Association
President Kathy Bazarian

Left: Kathy Bazarian chats with Jane Close Conoley,
Cal State Long Beach’s new president.

I

am pleased to introduce Jane Close Conoley, Cal State Long
Beach’s seventh president and first permanent female
president. Prior to assuming this role, she was the interim
chancellor of the University of California, Riverside. I had
the pleasure of meeting her on campus to chat about
how alumni can support her vision. President Conoley
also shared some fun facts about herself.
Kathy: How can alumni support your vision of CSULB?
Jane: Alums are the evidence of our value and excellence.
The best thing they can do is be involved with our campus.
Come to games; mentor students; connect us to political, business and philanthropic networks; give us advice on how to
improve; and support the next generation of students. Alumni
success is the biggest part of our story. At every opportunity, hire new Beach graduates if you are a business owner;
offer to present to student organizations about your path
after graduation; and, most importantly, brag to your
friends about The Beach. Your success and advocacy
are critical to our success.
Kathy: What are you looking forward to most about being
in Long Beach?
Jane: I am looking forward to being part of the process of
promoting student success. We offer a great education for the
lowest possible price to the next generation of Californians.
A college degree changes whole families. It’s the American
dream in action.

Presidential Fun Facts
≥ Favorite animal
Being married to a guy named Collie, the answer
must be obvious